This book received the Caldecott Medal for art work. A delightful story about a donkey who finds a magic red pebble, and then turns into a rock! His parents miss him terribly. Selected as one of the 100 Best Books of the Century by the National Education Association.

This book was a favorite of mine and my siblings growing up and my daughter loves it now as well!

Sylvester loves to collect pebbles. One day he finds a mysterious red pebble that can grant wishes! Just then a hungry lion shows up and Sylvester makes a wish that changes his life...for good? Or not?

What I really like about this book is that the author does not "talk down" or "dumb down" his books for children. I also love the use of irony and the happy ending.

A bit long, but otherwise very enjoyable. Nice illustrations and interesting characters. Plus it has a great moral about the value of loved ones rather than material things. Good for reading aloud to ages 4 and up.